Brilliant Knits: 25 Contemporary Designs by Brandon Mably

I'm not sure what the book really contained. Thiefbooks does not accept returns and there's no phone to call but the copy sent me, mice had been in it. I simply don't know.

This is a handsome book--the settings alone make it very pleasant to leaf through, gorgeous country homes, beautiful gardens and models with character. Kaffe Fassett's influence is everywhere in the designs, but they are still handsome; however, the basic Fassett style, using simple shapes and 5,000 colors of bloody expensive Rowan yarn, makes them difficult for some people to reproduce...especially if the yarn is discontinued. Aside from that, there are certainly designs there I would make, particularly because they are shown on all ages and types of people. Perhaps a few too many Big Main Color pullovers with A Motif on them, and some of the sweaters, like the Green Olive number, are witty but would quickly be memorized by one's friends--"There he is! Oh, God, he's wearing that sweater with the olives again!" However, many of the checks and patterns are wonderful, like "Tie Dye" and "Cut Diamonds." In general, he also does good vivid colorways for men that they would actually wear... well, maybe there are a couple that college boys would squirm away from as too bright, but not many. The main reason I haven't tackled one of the ones I like best is the cost of Rowan yarn, and alongside that, laziness; intarsia with a million colors is nervewracking, and as for cost, I know I could substitute, but that's asking for trouble and a lot of preliminary figuring work...or unraveling. I'm not sorry I bought this; if nothing else, some of the pattern motifs and colorways could be transplanted to sumptuous shawls for entertainment without so much accountability. I'd say, give it a try!

Very inspirational knitting in this book. Be prepared to spend a wad on yarns as they call for many, many colors. Nice items, something for everyone.

Well presented clear photographs and graphs Hard to decide which to knit first

As a warning, almost half of these designs are already published in Rowan magazines. The remainder, all new for this book, are often variations on Mably's style, which is similar to the well-known Kaffe Fassett's, although much simpler. The sweaters are really abstract, skirting the avant garde, although the fundamental styles are basic pullovers and cardigans. It's the color schemes that are dynamic and innovative, although Mably shows most of the sweaters in bright, bold, and sometimes almost garish color combinations. Since I prefer a more classic and muted look, it is difficult for me to see past the colors to the actual sweater and choose my own schemes. However, if you like lots of color, this book is an excellent choice. Most of the yarns used are Rowan (with some Jaeger), which is a sad choice since if you have used Rowan yarns, you are aware that as soon as a pattern is published, Rowan stops manufacturing the yarn. For instance, some of these patterns call for DK soft, which was recently discontinued. Pluses to this book are the introduction, which is concise and helpful, bearing tips on handling intarsia and fair isle in a nicely laid out presentation. Also, Mably introduces each pattern with a brief notation that describes his inspiration and intention, adding a charming touch. The patterns themselves are clear and simple to read, as are the large-size black and white charts, although there are no size diagrams, making it difficult to substitute yarns or handle your differing gauge. A huge plus is the photos of the sweaters. Unlike some publishers who concentrate more on the dramatic pose of the models, obsuring the sweater, this publisher paid lots of attention to showing the sweater. You know exactly what you are looking at and getting, including two or more photos of the sweaters, even with back views, to give you a strong idea. The book is really excellently executed, on fine quality paper. A nice presentation. I'm only sorry that these sweaters aren't my sort -- but if you like Mably's cover sweater, I'll bet you find you'll want to knit most of those included in the book!